As the soloist for the U.S. premiere of André Previn’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra — played by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood on Thursday — Müller-Schott added star quality to a program of strong works led by music director Jacques Lacombe.
Previn’s colorfully orchestrated and thoughtfully constructed work culled together cinematic splashes of the most glamorous kind, as well as blues grooves and yearning melody. A veteran composer, Previn showed his expertise in work that was concise and cohesive, and also incorporated some moody elements, including explosive, harsh, virtuosic solo passages that Müller-Schott met with accuracy, finesse and conviction.
Well suited to the piece’s style, Müller-Schott called to mind violinist Joshua Bell in his lush, golden, well-projected tone, his charismatic presence and his ability to mine music for unabashed beauty — which Previn supplied in abundance. The orchestra played vibrantly in turn and deftly balanced the soloist. The composer, who was in the audience, received a well-deserved, hearty ovation.